Posted on Apr 15, 2017
I Stopped Drinking After I Left The Military. You Should Too
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RP Members and Connections I want to share a story written by SSG Eric Burleson one of our very own RallyPoint Members. He provides a great message for some of our veterans that are suffering and may need help. Some of us have been there and got the T-Shirt! Some might not realize they are there and need help. What do you think? I appreciate your feedback on the article and issue!
"When I left the military, I had just got married and enrolled in business school. I found out just before school started that my wife was pregnant, and in a gesture of solidarity, stopped drinking.
It changed my life.
Since then, I've drank periodically, but have decided recently not to drink again for the foreseeable future. This decision wasn't easy, but there's tons of research and even more anecdotes of the benefits to veterans." SSG Eric Burleson
"When I left the military, I had just got married and enrolled in business school. I found out just before school started that my wife was pregnant, and in a gesture of solidarity, stopped drinking.
It changed my life.
Since then, I've drank periodically, but have decided recently not to drink again for the foreseeable future. This decision wasn't easy, but there's tons of research and even more anecdotes of the benefits to veterans." SSG Eric Burleson
I Stopped Drinking After I Left The Military. You Should Too
Posted from el2.convertkit-mail2.com
Alcohol
Transition
Issues
Health
Mental Health
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 28
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I stopped drinking in 1990 COL Mikel J. Burroughs. When I enlisted in 1974 cigarettes were in C-rations and smoking and drinking were encouraged in the military. If you didn't smoke and drink you were generally shunned.
Later drinking excessively and smoking were discouraged in the military.
By the grace of God I stopped smoking in 1987 and drinking in 1990. I had learned that I was an alcoholic so quitting drinking made a lot of sense. Biblically there is nothing wrong with drinking a reasonable amount of alcoholic beverages.
During my medical appointments asking whether I smoke and drink is still relevant because they both impact our health.
Later drinking excessively and smoking were discouraged in the military.
By the grace of God I stopped smoking in 1987 and drinking in 1990. I had learned that I was an alcoholic so quitting drinking made a lot of sense. Biblically there is nothing wrong with drinking a reasonable amount of alcoholic beverages.
During my medical appointments asking whether I smoke and drink is still relevant because they both impact our health.
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SPC Douglas Bolton
LTC Stephen F. I feel into that same trap when I was in Korea. I was "Christened," By friends in Korea when I first got there. They took me to the base bar and showed me how to drink. I was only 18 at the time, and never had a drink before. I woke up the next morning lying by the wheels of a duece and half truck doing the dry heaves! Pretty much slowed me down as to over drinking. Never stopped but was very cautious to not ever over do it again.
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LTC Stephen F.
SPC Douglas Bolton - yes in our youth, others took advantage of us. However by the grace of God we survived and learned form our "misfortune."
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Jenn Moynihan
LTC Stephen F. - that was a good year to quit drinking. COL Mikel J. Burroughs I say "been there done that wipe the bar floor up with the T-shirt".
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I stopped drinking when I was 17. I was cured with 200 proof ever clear smuggled over from Las Vegas by a friend I used to hang out with. You learn quickly how life altering alcohol can be. Though I have tunnel vision of that night it's no different the the date rape drug. It's all fun and games until something bad happens!!.. I'll go a few years without a drink, but sometimes I like a cold Beer or glass of wine. Depends on the BBQ ;P
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LTC (Join to see)
SN Greg Wright - Octane boost put in gas tank of your 60s musclecar but don't drink it!
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SPC Douglas Bolton
SFC (Join to see) Sounds just like me. I hit bottom, and then realized that it wasn't a good path I was on. I also like a beer now and then, but not to get drunk. I like the tastes, and it really is good after hard work in the yard.
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SFC (Join to see)
Lol... yea, did 6 shots of it that night! How I'm still alive! No idea!! Lesson learned! Don't drink straight fuel!.. lol
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If you have a drinking problem, PTSD, depression then going to an AA meeting, seeking help from the VA with like-AA military members may help you better deal with your pain. We have too many suicides for those who gave up to suicide (my alcoholic and pain meds user sister,who was not a veteran, hung herself on 4 JUL 2015 was one of them) and it can be stopped if we admit we are powerless/helpless to drugs/alcohol/ptsd or other issues and seek help. AA (Alcoholics anonymous) for drinking and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) for substance abuse is available in your local phone directory. There is also a class available for those familiy members who have to deal with an AA or NA loved one.
http://www.aa.org/
http://www.aa.org/
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SPC Douglas Bolton
LTC (Join to see) Thank you for sharing this. Hopefully it will reach the right people.
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